Conditions 2/8/13

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS:  (2/8 afternoon update.)  While we have generally picked up 12-15 inches of very light snow in the Lake Placid area, and the skiing is the best it's been since Christmas, there was a surprising amount of "shadowing" - in particular with less snow falling at ADK Loj and the approaches to the High Peaks.  So with only 5-6" of light snow there, the hiking trail from the Loj is very rough and not recommended.  (See below for other details.) Snow has stopped as of Saturday morning.  Cold today, but warming into the 20s on Sunday.  Looking further ahead, currently there is again a threat of rain along with snow on Monday into Tuesday, followed by daytime temperatures in the 30s for the rest of the week. This will cause considerable settling of the new snow, but no major melting.  

• JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS:

•               Base Depth - 10-20 inches

•               Surface Conditions - powder
•               Km Open - 50

              Remarks -  Entire trail skiable.  The very light snow will make trail breaking relatively easy, and the Old Mountain Road was broken out as of Friday evening with perhaps only 4" of new snow overnight. 

BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS:
              Snow Depth at Lake Colden: 33"
              Snow Depth at 4,000 feet: 4-1/2 feet 
              Surface Conditions:  powder
              Remarks: New snow has changed everything, but not every are received the same amount.  15" of new snow at Lake Colden and Mt. Van Hoevenberg, but only 5-6" at ADK Loj. We expected all popular ski routes including Marcy and Wright Peak to be skiable, but on both of these one must get up high to find skiable snow.  Truck Trail definitely the best ski approach to Marcy Dam, but some rocks still showing - especially on one corner not quite a mile from the register.  Still some rocks to dodge from Marcy Dam to Avalanche Camp, but after that there was a base and the new snow is at least 12".  Still need caution any of the rougher terrain since this very light snow may not cover all obstacles, but Avalanche Pass is in good shape.  Still some rough spots between Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden.  Calamity Brook trail skiable with perhaps a few tricky crossings of small streams.  Northside Trail to Johns Brook Lodge passable on skis, but not recommended due to numerous rocks and roots still showing. 

Skis and snowshoes definitely required in the High Peaks Wilderness Area and needed elsewhere.  

• Meadow Lane has been blocked off for the winter, adding 3/4 mile to approach of Marcy Dam.
• Lake ice generally safe and slush free, although care is needed at the outlet of Avalanche Lake.
• All other popular tours (Connery Pond, Hays Brook, Raquette Falls, Fish Pond, Newcomb Lake, Moose Pond) in good shape. Whiteface Highway may not be a good choice for Saturday due to cold and predicted high winds.


• X-C SKI CENTER CONDITIONS: (Groomed, trail fee required)
  
       Mt. Van Hoevenberg X-C Ski Center:  
•     50km of trails, open daily, rentals, lessons, 518-523-2811, www.whiteface.com/activities/cross-country-skiing 
                Base Depth -  3"
                Inches New Snow - 15"
                Surface Conditions -  powder 
                Km Open - 45
                Km Tracked - 15 (as of 8 AM)
                Remarks - Grooming will be ongoing.  Entire system should be open by Saturday afternoon.
• 
       Cascade X-C Ski Center:
•     20 km of trails with connection to 50km at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, open daily, rentals, lessons, restaurant, bar.  518-523-9605, www.cascadeski.com
                Base Depth -  3"   
                Inches New Snow - 12"
                Surface Conditions -  powder 
                Km Open - 20
                Km Tracked - 5
                Remarks - Grooming will be ongoing
  
       Lake Placid Club Nordic Center: (part of Lake Placid Crowne Plaza)
•     10 km of trails, open holiday weeks and some weekends, rentals, 518-523-2556,  www.lakeplacidcp.com
                Base Depth -      
                Inches New Snow - 
                Surface Conditions -  
                Km Open -
                Km Tracked - 
                Remarks -  
  
       Whiteface Club Nordic Center:
•     10 km of trails, open Wed-Sun. (daily during holiday weeks), rentals, 518-523-2551, www.whitefaceclubresort.com
                Base Depth -  3"   
                Inches New Snow - 15
•               Surface Conditions - powder
                Km Open -  10
                Km Tracked - 5
                Remarks -  Grooming in progress

           Paul Smith's VIC:
           15 km of trails, open daily, rentals, 518-327-6241, www.adirondackvic.org
                       Base Depth - 4
                        Inches New Snow - 11 
                       Surface Conditions - powder
                       Km Open - 20
                       Km Tracked - Grooming and tracking in progress
                       Remarks - All loops open. 

               Dewey Mountain - Saranac  Lake
            13 km of trails, open daily (including nights until 7PM Tue. - Fri.), rentals, 891-2697         http://www.deweymountain.com
                        Base Depth - 0-3
                        Inches New Snow - 10
                        Surface conditions -  powder
                        Km Open -  15
                        Km Tracked - 
                        Remarks -  Grooming in progress